Hey Y’all! Welcome back to Falling In Love With Fitness! I am so excited for today’s new blog post! It’s all about my half-marathon training plan and how I am preparing for my race.
My Training Block
Back in November, when I first got the idea to run a half-marathon, I knew it was going to take a lot of work. I immediately started researching different half marathon training plans for beginner runners. There were so many different training plans and programs to choose from. I took my search to TikTok to see what plans and programs people have done and actually recommend. After seeing so many amazing reviews for the Nike Run Club App, I thought it would be a good place to start.
I downloaded the Nike Run Club App, and I was blown away by the amount of different programs and plans it offered. You could tell this app was designed so that anyone, no matter their running ability, could find their perfect program. I was able to add filters for the distance I’m training for, how long I have until my race, and my running experience. After playing around with the app for a while, I decided to use the 14-week half-marathon training plan.
In this 14-week training block, the app tells you exactly what runs you need to complete every week. This completely takes the guessing game out of training. The programs will give you 5 runs a week, but they recommend at least doing 3 of the runs per week. I personally have been doing 1 recovery run, 1 speed run, and 1 long run in addition to weight lifting. You can also track all of your runs within the app. It will track your pace, heart rate, time, and so much more. And my favorite feature is the guided runs. When running outside, you can listen to a trainer give you advice throughout your run. I love how the coach gives me things to work on during the run and lets me know each time I hit a certain distance.
Even though I have only used the Nike Run Club App, I would recommend it to everyone. It is super user-friendly and easy for beginners. Whether you want to improve your mile time or run your first marathon, there is a program for it. You can also use this app to just track your running stats without training for a race. There is truly something for every runner in this app. If you are thinking about starting your own running journey, definitely check it out!
How’s Training Going
I am officially 7 weeks from my half-marathon, and training is going great. My long runs are consistently getting easier to complete, even though each run is longer than the last. I have noticed a few things about myself as a runner throughout the first half of the training block. One thing I’ve noticed is that I prefer to do my shorter recovery runs and speed runs indoors. At the beginning of my training block, it was too cold in the mornings for them to be outside. But I honestly prefer it because those shorter runs inside keep my schedule consistent.
Another thing I have noticed about myself is that I am not as tired as I thought I would be. I thought surely after running over 9 miles, I would be exhausted and ready to sleep my day away. But it honestly gives me a boost of energy. I was so nervous that running this much would slow me down in other areas of my life. I am glad to report it has done the opposite for me. Now there are always one-off days where I am really tired, but normally I feel great.
I am so excited to see how the rest of the training goes. This week, I will be running 10 miles for the first time, and I feel so ready. If you had told me a year ago that I would be running double-digit miles, I would have laughed in your face. Running used to be my most hated form of exercise in the world, but it is now one of my favorites. I have loved continuing to impress myself every time I check off a new distance. It goes to show you truly can do hard things!
Favorite Running Products
Apparel: Lululemon and Under Armour
Socks: Lapulas Athletic Quarter Socks
Shoes: Hoka Clifton 10s
Running Belt: SPIbelt Running Belt
Running Vest: INOXTO Running Hydration Vest
Watch: Apple Watch
Headphones: AirPods
Headphones Holders: AirPods Ear Hooks
Electrolytes: Gatorade G Zero Electrolyte Powder
Running Fuel: Mini Sour Patch Kids & Swedish Fish
Water Bottle: Stanley 40oz Quencher H2.O Tumbler
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